UPDATE: WSP alleges cases mishandled at state crime lab

An investigation by the Washington State Patrol revealed that the former manager of the state crime lab in Cheney allegedly mishandled at least five cases while he worked as a front line crime lab scientist.

Investigators found no evidence to suggest the alleged misconduct by Kevin Fortney led to any wrongful convictions, according to a state patrol release. The state patrol also found Fortney claimed to have completed laboratory case work that was not done.

Fortney resigned from the lab during the investigation, according to the release.

Others working for Fortney raised concerns about his handling of cases, which prompted the investigation.

The state patrol doesn't believe any other workers at the lab were involved in the alleged mishandling of cases, the release said.

State patrol spokesman Robert Calkins said he will be notifying every individual agency whose case was allegedly mishandled.